Downingtown to close some schools in summer

EAST CALN – The Downingtown Area School District will attempt to save about $4,000 in energy consumption by shutting down some schools during the summer.

“Out of the 15 buildings that are operated by the district, a third of them will be open for community as well as school district use over the summer,” said Rich Fazio, director of finances for the district. “By limiting usage in the summer we save a significant amount in energy consumption.”

According to Fazio, by closing the schools, which are open for custodial and administrative staff throughout the summer, for one day every week, there could be savings of $3,000 to $5,000 with regards to energy costs.

“While opening a building for community usage, we also try to minimize our expense,” said Fazio.

Summer, athletic, extended school year, and special education programs will be hosted in the remaining open buildings.

Of the elementary schools, West Bradford, Pickering Valley, and East Ward will remain open, along with Lionville Middle School, and both east and west campuses for Downingtown High School.

“We try to maximize the use of a limited amount of buildings,” said Fazio.

The energy saving proposal would include eight Fridays throughout the summer when the remaining schools would be closed.